militia

Kurzel presents the iconography of America’s off-the-grid militia members — flags, swastikas, flyers in bars inviting the curious to meetings — with admirable straightforwardness.

The other big question mark is over Iran and the militias it has backed - including Hezbollah- and the military expertise it has provided, which have been the other key element in keeping Assad in power.

Russian warplanes have intensified strikes on rebel-held areas, Iran-backed militias have sent fighters to reinforce the government's defensive lines, and Iran has said it is ready to send additional forces to Syria if asked.

Before the start of the rebel offensive, the government had regained control of Syria's main cities with the help of Russia, Iran and Iran-backed militias.

Before the start of the rebel offensive, the government had regained control of Syria’s main cities with the help of Russia, Iran and Iran-backed militias.